Pain when sneezing after a tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Question

I am about 22 days post op and still have a lot of pain when I cough - especially when I sneeze. Is this normal? I’m paranoid that I may “undo” my muscle repair! Thanks, doctors!

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Healing after a tummy tuck is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient.  The muscle repair must be the reason why it hurts when you sneeze or cough. Best is to discuss specifically with the operating surgeon so that he /she can take a look.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Calicurves, thanks for your question! First off, I always recommend seeing your plastic surgeon if you are having severe pain after any procedure.  During a tummy tuck the abdominal muscles are plicated, or sewn together, and the excess skin is excised.  Most pain after an abdominoplasty is caused by the plication of the muscles.  It can take weeks for the muscles to adjust to the tightness.  Any stress on the abdominal wall after a tummy tuck, such as sneezing, straining, or coughing can cause persistent pain.  Regardless, I recommend that you follow up with your surgeon.  Hope this helps!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are not quite a month out from surgery so it is not uncommon to have some ongoing soreness and discomfort with straining after a tummy tuck. It will take several months for things to scar down and settle, so try to be patient. In the meantime, if you have concerns, I suggest you discuss those with your board certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear calicurves,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Sneezing and coughing can cause pain few weeks after tummy tuck. In case you are concerned, I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!

Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
The first phase of the recovery process can take 15 days. It is important to mention that each patient reacts differently and to complete the healing process it can take up to 3 months. If you are experiencing pain you have to inform your surgeon, remember to always follow his or hers instructions.
Good luck :)

Scott D. Green, MD · Answer

This can be normal to feel pain when you sneeze or cough this far out after surgery. I would suggest that follow up with your surgeon however, so that you can be examined to make sure everything is in tact. It is very uncommon for something to come "undone", but again unless you are physically examined, it many not be detectable. 
Good Luck

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